All of my favorite fit food. Many recipes are gluten-free, lots of vegan options and all include whole foods instead of refined and processed options. Enjoy!
Recipes that rocked the Blog World:
-Breakfast Cookie Dough Cereal
-Amazeballz (Lemon-blueberry and cocoa-berry varieties)
Appetizers:
Baby Food:
-An entire month Round 1 and Round 2
Breakfasts:
-Gluten-free High Protein Pancakes
-Malted Chocolate Chia Pudding
Lunches:
-Fig, goat cheese and asparagus salad
-Salad with Creamy Dijon Basil Dressing, Millet Croutons
Dinners:
-Avocado, Asparagus and Artichoke Pesto Pizza
-Balsamic Chicken Caprese Salad
-Coconut shrimp with apricot dipping sauce
-Dijon Chicken with Sundried Tomatoes and Quinoa
-Goat Cheese Stuffed Mushrooms
-Spiced Chickpeas and Potatoes
-Slow Cooker Chicken Coconut Curry
-Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
-Veggie and Goat Cheese Enchiladas
Desserts:
-Banana Chocolate Chip Oat Donuts
-Chocolate Chip Coconut Crispies
-Gluten-free Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread
-Sweet Potato Chocolate Chunk Cookies
-The BEST Gluten-free Brownies
Raw:
-Apricot Mint and Cauliflower Rice Dolmas
-Chocolate Tart that EVERYONE will love- you won’t believe it’s raw
-Local honey and walnut Baklava with coconut vanilla cream
-Raw Caesar Salad
-Roasted Veggies and Pesto Pasta
Cocktails and Drinks:
-Apple, Pear, Ginger Saketinis
-Strawberry-infused Sports Drink
Hi, I'm Gina. Welcome to The Fitnessista! I love blogging about my adventures as a new mom, military wife and fitness instructor, as well as sharing new workouts and recipes. Check out the About page for more info - thanks for stopping by!
All your recipes are worthy of a cookbook!
you’re a sweetheart- i’d love for that!
THIS IS AWESOME. I am bookmarking just this post to come back to whenever I need cooking health-spiration!
Have you ever posted a macaroon recipe?? I can’t find it!
it’s on lock down for now
Boo!! OK.. I can respect that
Just entered this new “universe O’ Blogs” this past year. The Hubs has a food blog ( see website above) I only write about sweet splurges. If you want to read my nonsense-search archives for Del’s Popcorn.
A couple of things- 1. LURVE Yo Blog. wow! 2. Just made your chocolate, raspberry oats with honey and FOR THE LURVE!!!!! YOU ARE A GENIOUS!!!!!!!! Have a great day- this oatmeal has certainly made mine!
Hello Gina! I’m a follower of yours and have to say, I love what you do. It’s great to have a real educated person talk about fitness and smart/healthy eating while still being able to live life happily. Like many people, I overcame a heavy childhood, got myself into shape on my own and have managed to keep it off. Since fitness and eating a healthy, balance diet is always my top priority in life, I have been battling with a strange food dilemma…. BANANAS. I know it sounds crazy, but from reading different trainers and healthy food goo-roos, banana’s are always on the “treat” list and are always eaten minimally. Personally, I’m a true believer in eating limitless amounts of anything that comes from the earth on a daily basis. I’ll eat as many fruits and vegetables in their natural state as I want, never worrying or counting a calorie. But lately I feel as if banana’s have been given a bad rep and that we need to eat them in moderation. Some say for example to eat half a day, or in your recent super shape-up post, buying the “mini” bananas because in reality 1 large banana is really two servings. I’ve even read some trainers talk about eliminating them completely! Personally to me this sounds absurd. I don’t think banana’s are bad or should be limited. Yes, I understand that they have a much higher sugar content than other foods/fruits, but compared to all the low-calorie crap that’s out there in terms of desserts, I think bananas take the cake any day in being the healthier option. Maybe I’m freaking out about this issue because I absolutely LOVE bananas and wouldn’t even be able to grasp the thought of saying adios to one of my favorite fruits, more or less feeling guilty because I “indulged” in two bananas in a day instead of one. I guess what I’m trying to ask is what do you think about bananas, that is eating them on a regular basis? And is it true what they say about needing to eat them in moderation?
Thanks for listening, and look forward to hearing your insight.
Chachi
bananas are fantastic! enjoy them, guilt free
Hi!
I am trying to build muscle and lose weight–what is a good protein powder (without weird ingredients, preservatives, bunch of sugar and carbs!!) ?
Thanks!!
sun warrior or vega
thanks for the response!
anything a little cheaper?haha
I’m not Gina, but I really like the taste and nutrition facts of Natural Factors Vanilla Whey Protein Powder- I haven’t tried any of their other flavors, but the Vanilla is delicious mixed with almond, soy or cows milk. And it’s a lot cheaper than sun warrior or vega. I’m lactose intolerant and it doesn’t bother my stomach. I bought mine on amazon
I also really love Kaizen Natural’s Vanilla Ice Cream flavour – sweetened with stevia, no funny additives; 115 cals a scoop and 24g of protein. But it’s whey protein powder so a lot of vegans or lactose-intolerant people don’t like it. A huge tub is just $24.99 though (and that’s Canadian – I live in Vancouver – I think you’d find it cheaper in the US). I see it in most major supermarkets.
Hey Joyce I have always found Tri-sorb protein to be the best when trying to shed fat and build muscle! Taste is key though!
I just started following your blog, and i love it so much! i had never in my life tried almond butter, but you had it in one of your posts so i bought some and…oh my gosh. now im all, “almond butter, where have you been all my life?!?” i really enjoy all the food photos, thank you!
once you go almond, you never go back
Hi! I was curious if you had advice for people starting a GF diet. I don’t have Celiac disease, but definitely have an intolerance to it. I have noticed you seem to use a lot of various GF tortillas, etc. but in my experience, they go bad before i’ve a chance to use them yet. Maybe a GF post in the future?? I’ve tried searching through your site but it was sort of hard to find a specific post, just a lot of mentions. Just a thought! Thanks, and congrats on the little nugget.
that’s a great idea!
for the tortillas, keep them in the freezer. when you want one, take it out (they’re easy to separate), and microwave for about 30 seconds.
I love the freezer idea! I don’t have a microwave but I can do a couple at a time and defrost overnight. I know, it’s crazy but there’s not enough room really in our apt!
Saw your blog in Redbook magazine and just browsed…awesome!!! such great advice, tips and recipes!! will definitely be a daily reader of your blog
Thank you so much! Lovely to *meet* you
Hey Gina! I’ve been reading your blog for a few weeks now and I’m already in love with it! Your food always looks so good but unfortunately I have a nut allergy and almost all of your recipes include almond butter. Is there any other kind of vegan or healthier option butter out there for someone like me to substitute in your recipes? Thanks so much, keep up the good work!
hmmm… can you have sunflower seed butter? or cashew butter, since they’re technically a legume? i’m not sure how bad your nut allergy is, though- check with your doc before trying any of my suggestions, i would be horrified if you had a reaction or something
I was looking for your black bean burger recipe but only see the beat one… but it’s actually titled “Carrot Bean and Bean Burgers”, when I think you meant to have “beat” in there
Do you have the recipe available for the black bean burger I’ve seen on your blog?
oop! haha
it’s not my recipe- it’s emily’s from dailygarnish.com’s. her black bean burger recipe is the best i’ve tried
Ok thank you so much!
Your food suggestions are wonderful! They always turn out so good and I’m hooked on smoothies! I was wondering about the protein powder you use, if it can be bought in stores or strictly online only? Thanks so much!
Hi!
I just stumbled on your website while looking up recipes for higher protein meals (without meat!) I LOVE this quasitarian idea. I HATE red meat and rarely eat chicken, and I work out like a crazy person. I need to cut out sugar from my diet and find better ways to replace protein, I saw you had some books on your site, but I forget where I saw them. Could you suggest some of your faves for recipes and food ideas??
Thanks so much!
Hi There,
I only recently started reading your blog. I can’t even remember how I stumbled upon it, but I sure like it! I’m wondering if you can tell me where you do most of your grocery shopping for your specialty items like Nutrional Yeast?
welcome to the little blog
i usually shop at whole foods or trader joes, but most health food stores should carry nutritional yeast
Thanks! I’ll have to check to see if I can find some health food stores in my area. I’m up in Canada and just moved to a new city, so I guess I’ll have to venture out and look!
Tonight I came up with a totally Fitnessista-inspired dessert! Honestly, without your blog posts, energy and ideas I would have eaten the ice cream that my body did not want.
Recipe for “Dear God, I Don’t Want Another Ice Cream Cone Dessert”: Crushed graham cracker, crushed almonds (6), sprinkling of rice krispies (or similar puffed cereal), half teaspoon of almond butter, one square of really good softened 70% dark chocolate. stir and (hopefully) enjoy!!
Hi Gina,
I love your creative and healthy recipes. Do you have a compiled list of your “snack” recipes??
Thanks!
Willa
Do you have a recipe that you like for hummus? I love it but the amounts that me and my family eats it…it gets expensive. I didn’t see anything in your recipe list. Thanks!
here ya go
http://fitnessista.com/2009/04/a-hummus-among-us/
Hey there! Late commenting ahhhgain, but was perusing all your gorgeous recipes for a healthy fresh option to serve the hubs this weekend
… was looking at the picture for the dinner category and I was like what a gorgeous table!!! So pretty, I wonder where Gina took this?
And then…I spotted a tiny, itty bitty, precious Bella melon sticking up clocking the spread…she is so hilarious! Should have known it was Casa de Gina!!! Bella is beyond adorabe…she’s like hmmm…so many options….!
Thanks for all the wonderful recipes!
LOVE THIS BLOG!!! dont ever goo away!
Hey Gina! I am obsessed with your blog, it’s so great! Thanks for sharing all your food and fitness tips! I’m in college and I’m trying to lose some weight and keep it off. I don’t have a lot to lose (probably 10-15 Max)but I definitely want to tone up! I have been a healthy eater and work out 5 days a week (lots of cardio and weights). The past two weeks I haven’t lost an weight though, I blame pumpkin muffins. Anyway, I feel like I am at a weight loss stand still.. any advice? Also, will protein powder help or hinder my weight loss and toning process.. I’ve been thinking about trying it for a long time but I’m scared it will just make me gain weight. Thanks!!
Hey Gina, I was wondering if you could also include a section in your Food tab for your dinner party menus. Your blog is a fantastic resource- thank you so much!
I was just going to request the same thing. Party menus..
Is your “goddess” dressing homemade?
no it’s either annie’s brand or trader joe’s- they each have a version
Gina, where do you get your nutritional yeast? I keep seeing recipes (here and daily garnish) that use it and i’m hugely curious and would like to try it! any hints?
I was wondering what your thoughts are on eating and using coconut oil? I have seen a lot of studies lately. Thoughts?
i think it’s great in moderation, and love the taste
I love it too!!!
Hi! Do you know if Sun Warrior protien goes bad??
i don’t think so, but usually i eat my bag within a couple of months max
I can’t find your recipe for cookie dough flavored almond butter! Help!
http://fitnessista.com/2011/12/nut-butter-envy/
Hello Gina, been following your blog for awhile now and you’ve got a very lovely list of healthy fit food recipes here. Love it! Gotta bookmark this page for future use. Thank u for this list.
Hey Gina,
I notice you eat gluten free. Is this because you have a gluten allergy or sensitivity? I’ve been having some digestive issues and am experimenting with a gluten free diet. Just curious if you have a diagnosed issue or if you just feel better eating gluten free.
I really enjoy your blog. I find it both entertaining and motivational!
Thanks,
Beth
it’s a combo of both. i feel better when i don’t eat it, and a est by my homeopathic doc said i was borderline intolerant, so he told me to stay away from it for the most part.
thank you so much for reading!
I love your website and have been reading for a little over a year now, but I can not seem to remember ever seeing a recipe for your Goddess dressing. Do you make it, or do you pick it up from TJ’s?
trader joe’s
Great recipes! A little too much grains and carbohydrates for my style, but I am sure very useful for people who don’t want to give up their pastas and muffins. They are certainly very tasty and life is short. So why not!
Gina, I recently started drinking green smoothies. I usually do spinach, protein powder, orange juice, some sort of fruit (banana, strawberries, cuties, blueberries or frozen fruit, just whatever is on hand) and lots of ice.
So far, I love them. I usually drink them as a meal if I work out pretty late and don’t want to eat or cook a full supper so close to bedtime.
I have been wanting to try them as a meal replacement at different times of the day, but I have a few questions:
1) Is it always a good choice as a meal replacement? I’m trying to lose weight and I’m not sure if this really saves calories or if I’d be better off eating a grilled chicken salad or something like that.
2) Can you make them ahead and keep them in the fridge until time to eat? I have a weird thing about ground up spinach sitting in a glass for hours before I drink it…. just freaks me out!!
I’d love your advice!
I just ran across your blog via pinterest and baby food making and its fantastic. I wanted to ask you if you had ever tried perfect fit protein powder and your thoughts on it? It seems you have already chosen a protein powder, just thought I’d ask as this one had no scarey ingredients in it
Hey! I’m really dying to make some amazeballs, but I just haven’t gotten around to it yet. However, I don’t have a food processor. I’m definitely a kitchen novice, so I’m wondering if a blender would suffice, even though I know the tools are somewhat different. Regardless, what kind of food processor do you have? How big is it? Thanks!
Hello
I just had surgery a couple weeks ago. I had a bone taken out of my right foot. Before surgery I ws able to lose 10 pounds and get down to 185. My goal by next may is to down to 145. I am non weight barring for another couple weeks then have a cast put on till janruary. WHat are some ways to lose weight without working out? THanks
i would focus on diet and upper body strength training, plus core. talk to your doc and see what they recommend
Ok thanks for the reply. Can you recommend some upper body exercises and some core exercises? I went to the doctor today and Im still non weight barring for another 3 weeks while using crutches and a cast boot. I appreciate your advice.
Gina,
I absolutely love your blog!
I have a question , I like to work out early in the morning what would you say is a good per workout snack? Something that is not too filling.
Thank you!
I love this bookmark!
You are a regular blog that i visit. I can’t tell you how much I love girls that rock!
I found a great ebook this weekend! I think you would like. It has opened my eyes to some things that make a lot of sense!
http://www.amazon.com/Nutritional-Alignment%C2%AE-Living-Synergy-ebook/dp/B00AFG0H6G/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top
Maybe a good xmas gift to share!
I will continue to share your blog with friends!
Thanks
Lauren
Gina, a while back you made some almond butter brownies (brownies that used a whole jar of almond butter). Do you happen to have a link to the recipe saved? I’ve tried searching the site but I haven’t found it. Thanks.
I looove all your recipes!! How do you feel about greens superfoods? I don’t eat enough veggies, just can’t get myself to like them as much as I should :-/ but I have been making smoothies and stuff w/ Amazing Grass (https://www.facebook.com/greensuperfood) and did their 2 week challenge which I LOVED, and that actually had a lot of great veggie recipes, but most of the time, I don’t eat enough of em…I really love the Amazing Grass, do you think that’s enough as an alternative to veggies?
i’m not a huge fan of the taste of amazing grass (i think spinach in smoothies is milder) but whatever you enjoy that will help you get extra nutrients!